James A. Haynes

James A. Haynes, Jr., 94, a Norwich native, but more recently of Utica, NY, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020, at the Masonic Nursing Facility in Utica.

Born on October 7, 1925, James was the son of James A. Haynes, Sr. and Grace (Transue) Haynes. He attended the Norwich schools, and graduated from Norwich High School with the Class of 1943. After graduation, he volunteered for service in the United State Army during World War II, and reported for duty in November 1943 at Fort Dix. He was sent for military intelligence training in South Carolina with the 26th Battalion. After basic training, James was assigned to the 89th Infantry Division at Camp Butner, NC. He served in the Battalion Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion 355th infantry regiment where he was a member of the company intelligence and reconnaissance section. He served with this Division overseas in Europe with General Patton’s 3rd Army in the battle of the Rhineland and Central Europe. At Ohrdruf, the regiment and elements of the 4th Armored Division captured the largest concentration camp liberated by American forces up to that time. James received the Combat Infantry Badge for his participation. After the war ended, James served with the Army of occupation in Enns, Austria and Vienna, Austria with the 83rd and 42nd Divisions.

Returning home, James attended Hobart College in Geneva, NY. After graduating, James then attended and graduated in 1952 from the Albany Law School. In July 1952, he passed the bar exam and was admitted into practice in November 1952. James was first employed by the Hill & Gordon Law Office in Norwich. He then partnered with Charles Gallagher, also in Norwich. In 1962, James started his own practice on North Broad Street. He served as assistant county attorney for several years, then succeeded Charles Gallagher as County Attorney. After 26 years, in 1990, James retired from the County Attorney position. He moved his practice to Fair Street in 1964.

James was an active member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, where he served in several lay positions. He was a member of the Chenango County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association for more than 50 years. For the New York Bar Association, James served as a delegate in its House of Delegates for a total of eight years; executive vice president of its 6th Judicial District for three years; and on the Committee for Professional Standards for nine years by appointment from the Appellate Division of the 3rd Department. James was also an active mason with the Norwich Lodge #302. He enjoyed golf, duplicate bridge, and gardening. He also traveled extensively in the U.S. and journeyed to Europe on numerous occasions with his beloved wife, Shirley, who died in 2011.

James is survived by his children, James A. Haynes III (Lourdes), of New London, CT, Paul Haynes, of Amherst, MA, Christopher Haynes, of Northampton, MA, and Allyson Hunter (Kevin), of Syracuse, NY; grandchildren Emma Haynes Dzula (Daniel), of Brooklyn, NY, Bessie Haynes, of New London, CT, Emily and Mathew Hunter, of Syracuse, NY, Norma Jean, Rose Mary, and Samuel Haynes, of Northampton, MA; and great-grandchildren Dorian and Rakia Poulard, of New London, CT, and Basil Dzula, of Brooklyn, NY. In addition to his wife, Shirley, he was predeceased by his son, Peter Haynes, and five sisters, Ellen Blenis, Alice Hauer, Grace Hendricks, Carolyn Zaharas, and Mary Owens.

A memorial service for James will be held at a later date at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Contributions in James’ memory may be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 37 W. Main St., Norwich, NY 13815.